The Economist
Picture Editor
Get notified of more jobs like this · No spam, ever
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Wanted: A Picture Editor
The Economist is offering a chance to join our picture desk in London
The Economist is looking for a Picture Editor to join our picture desk in London. Every week we publish articles across the weekly edition, our app and website, newsletters, podcasts and social media—and every one of those needs pictures that do more than fill a space. Our mission is to give readers a richer understanding of the world through compelling visuals. You’ll be central to that.
We are looking for someone with excellent visual judgement and strong news instincts: someone who can read a piece of copy quickly, understand what it is really saying, and find imagery that informs, engages and sometimes surprises. You’ll work independently but in close collaboration with the picture desk, editors and art directors. Rigorous attention to detail, accuracy and efficiency are a given.
What you’ll do
- Source, research and deliver images for news, features and series across print and digital. Occasionally commission photographers, when appropriate, and help develop relationships with photographers and agencies around the world.
- Review, select and process imagery to publication standard, at speed.
- Interpret copy rapidly and pair it with imagery that informs, engages and surprises.
- Work with editors and art directors to develop how our journalism looks.
- Manage licensing, permissions and rights clearance.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
What you’ll bring
- At least three years’ photo editing experience in a news environment.
- Fluency with Photoshop, Fotoware or comparable digital asset management systems.
- A genuine, well-informed interest in global politics, business, finance and culture.
- Excellent written and verbal communication in English.
- Rigorous attention to detail, and real awareness of cultural sensitivity across different regions.
- Working knowledge of image licensing, permissions and privacy law.
- The composure and flexibility to hit deadlines when the news moves.
- The right to work in the UK.
The details
- Structure: You will report to the Director of Photography within a team of ten picture editors. The Picture desk and the Design desk make up the editorial Graphics Dept responsible for the delivery of our visual content.
- Hours: Full-time, based in our central London office. Core hours 10am–6pm, Monday to Friday, with variation on press days, some hybrid working available and occasional weekend overtime.
- Salary: £40,000–£45,000, depending on experience.
- Closing date: Friday October 30th 2026.
- Start date: No later than January 4th 2027.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
To apply
Send a CV, a covering letter explaining how your experience fits the role, and examples of your relevant work to pictureeditor@economist.com
The Economist Group values diversity. We are committed to equal opportunities and to creating an inclusive environment for all our employees, and we welcome applicants regardless of ethnic or national origin, gender, race, colour, religious belief, disability, sexual orientation or age. If you need any adjustments to the application process, let us know at the address above.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Location